Young and Middle Adulthood Case Studies
Christina Gonzales
BSHS/325
March 9, 2015
Maria Perrotta
Young and Middle Adulthood Case Studies
Peck (1968) suggests that it is psychologically healthy for middle-aged adults to redefine the people in their lives so they can find value in their relationships (Zastrow, 2011). Michael a 45-year old male with no children, weight issues, and a girlfriend with children of whom he is uncertain about in his life is struggling with dealing with his weight and health issues. In addition, to his personal problems Michael also has his sister Taylor to look after who has been diagnosed with HIV. Michael is in the stage of his life where he is redefining his identity and questioning those around him and the
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Taylor is in denial of her disease and chooses to not confront the issue. Taylor lives an unhealthy lifestyle both mentally and physically because she refuses to work and date. This form of tendency can inhibit a person from personal and psychological growth. Taylor has yet to develop her self-actualization because although she may have beneficial qualities such as cooking and caregiving she doesn’t have any interest in developing her own life. This type of behavior can push her relationship with her brother away because she can become too dependent on his attention and love that he is unable to provide a life for his girlfriend and her own children.
Conclusion
“All behavior is our constant attempt to reduce the difference between what we want (the pictures in our heads) and what we actually have (the way we situations in the world)” (Glasser, p. 32, 1932). If Michael and Taylor do not make a life change they will be incapable of forming a relationship outside of the current sibling one they hold. Taylor screaming at Michael when he addresses the issue of her HIV is a sign of denial and embarrassment. Because she chooses not to move forward from her divorce she will continue to live an unhealthy lifestyle and struggle to find her self-identity and self-worth. Her role in life will always be that of a helpless child. Michael consciously chooses to change his diet in moderation showing improvement and change.
References
In middle adulthood there are many changes that occur physically, psychologically, and socially as explained in the above passages. Yet, some say that this is the best time of their life, they experience enhanced self-confidence, great sex lives, career success, and enhanced brain functions. Middle age adults are better equipped to make better life choices and decisions and not worry so much about the negative parts of life. Their problem solving skills are greater which allows them to reason more creatively. They are able to enjoy sex freely without the worries of getting pregnant and they feel more confident with their partners. In general they are happier about life and look forward to enjoying the rest of their lives.
the most part. These years in a persons life have often been referred to as emerging adulthood.
And lastly, an example that reveals Tim’s struggle is evident when he says, “For more than twenty years I've had to live with it, feeling the shame,[...].” (page 1) and “I survived, but it's not a
Q has reached maximum body growth and biological aging or senescence has begun. Biological ageing is “genetically influenced declines in the functioning of organs and systems that are universal in all members of our species” (Berk, 2010, p. 432). Q exercises daily but he admits that he doesn’t eat a healthy diet all the time. “Regular moderate to
S.S. is a 24-year-old adult female, recently divorced with two young girls. She is also a full-time student living with her mother in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. She explains she is focused on finishing nursing school, so she can provide for her family. Patient falls under Identity vs Role Confusion in Erikson Stages of Development as she has transitioned into young adulthood and has begun to carry more responsibilities. S.S. did not what to elaborate on her previous marriage but insist she doesn’t feel the need to isolate herself or dwell on the past as the love from her daughters drive her to do and be better.
The journey through late adulthood can be experienced in different ways. One particular movie entitled “The Bucket List” exhibits an astounding portrayal of late adulthood. In fact, there are many accounts that the movie entails about late-adulthood. This includes the illustration of Erickson’s late adulthood stage – “Ego Integrity vs. Despair,” wisdom, marriage, friendship, parent-child relationship, and death and dying in late adulthood.
Prior to entering middle school, Paige’s life seemed very normal to her. Paige had a daily routine that she would follow which consisted of waking up early in the morning to take her medicine, and regular visits to The Riley Hospital for Children. When talking about her medicine regimen and hospital visits others comprehend that she had a depressing life, although Paige didn’t think her hospital visits were a big deal. She enjoyed telling Dr. Cox and other workers about what happened in school and exciting moments in her life. Paige perceives herself to be an obedient child especially when it came to taking her medicine. From reading, Paige seems content
Later adulthood is the time in life when changes in marriage, families, and peer relationships are affected the most by the loss of someone close to that person. “Most people 70 years of age or older are widowed, divorced, or single” (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2010, p.619). Losing a spouse or close friend can create a sense of loneliness, which causes depression, anxiety and the emptiness feeling can become overwhelming. Depression also leads to psychological effects that will deteriorate a person’s health causing the chance for a terminal disease to become much higher. The weaker appearance of older adults causes family and remaining peers to step up in the role of making sure the person’s wellbeing is being met. (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2010). Living accommodations and healthcare needs
As an emerging adult Jayne states, she could not decide what she wanted to do with her life. There was not a lot of opportunities for her. She was good at school but hated it at the same time. She expressed that there were just too many directions for her to take so she did take any. Just waited for things to come to her.
As children, we have always turned to our parents or guardians to consult them about our personal decisions. They handled our doctor appointments, signed our field trip permission slips, and provided us with groceries and transportation. However, as teens progress closer to 18, the legal age of adulthood in the United States, they tend to encounter urges to break the ties with their parents in order to handle responsibilities on their own. Why must there be a certain age when a person is fully free to make independent decisions? Why are some rights and privileges given before and after the legal age of responsibility? There is a solid answer to these questions: education. In the US, it is mandatory to attend school until 18. Adulthood should
For this paper, I had the privilege of interviewing one of my friend’s grandmother. Her name is Jamie Hansen and she is a healthy and active 68-year-old grandmother. In the beginning of the phone call, I asked some basic background knowledge questions such as how many grandkids she has and if she was a widower or not. I found out that she and her husband are happily married and that she has six grandchildren. As I got to know her more I started asking questions that pertained to the interview aspect of social theories. I figured out that Mrs. Hansen’s responses led to an application of the continuity and socioemotional selective theories.
Middle adulthood is a complex time period that requires a multidimensional outlook to understand all of the processes and changes that are taking place. The many changes during middle adulthood include physical, cognitive and social differences. Many of these changes create significant stress and it is important to understand ways of coping with the anxiety. Many of these coping mechanisms include mindfulness and cultivating a sense of self-efficacy and mastery (pg. 482). There are many changes during middle adulthood that may require stress management techniques and interventions.
"Middle age is when your classmates are so old and wrinkled and bald, they don’t recognize you". -Bennett Cerf
There are five key features that characterize emerging adulthood. The first s identity exploration. The second is “Instability.” For many the instability is a result of residential changes such as living in a dorm. There is also instability in friendships, romantic relationships, academia, and work. Emerging adults have few obligations, responsibilities, and commitments. Because they have so much autonomy in controlling their own lives the third key feature is “Self-Focused.” One of the most difficult
During this closing period in the life span of human beings, people tend to “move away” from previous more desirable periods often known as “usefulness”.